Catherine Gayle’s Ghost Dance is a moving addition to the Tulsa Thunderbirds Series. Hockey star Dmitri Nazarenko was living the dream until a terrible mistake changed his life. He is unable to forgive himself. He meets sled hockey player London Hawke who challenges him both on and off the ice. Ghost Dance is a contemporary sports romance that is suitable for adult audiences. It primarily takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
When I was in college, I lived with a couple of people that were on the wheelchair track/cross-country and basketball teams. They are amazing athletes and people that competed in the Paralympics. I have so much respect for them. Every time I worked out with them, they kicked my butt. Needless to say, I love that this story had sled/sledge hockey players in it. My roommate used to drive a lot, so I am familiar with the hand brake system in the cars that was mentioned in the story. Catherine Gayle does an excellent job describing the details that go with being in a wheelchair and playing a sport.
I love the characters and plot. It is understandable why Dima has a hard time forgiving himself. I adore that he is the baby whisperer for Harper. It was a good outlet for him before London came into his life. I appreciated his relationship with Sergei Mironov and his mother. Being of Hungarian descent and first-generation American, I could relate to the similar Russian culture. London is great. I like that she played college hockey and how that worked into the story. I love how she challenges Dima and does not back down. Both characters are likeable and grow a lot throughout the story.
The ending was a gripping transition into the next book in the series, Rite of Passage. I cannot wait to read it. If you enjoy sports romances with real-world issues, I highly recommend the Tulsa Thunderbirds Series. Catherine Gayle is an amazing writer whose books are difficult to put down.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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